BROOKE HENDERSON ended her two-year LPGA title drought with a victory in her home open on Sunday, firing a final-round 67 to edge Minjee Lee by one stroke to win the Canadian Women’s Open.
Henderson lifted the trophy for a second time, seven years after her 2018 triumph made her the first Canadian since 1973 to claim the title.
A two-time major champion, she claimed her 14th LPGA title but her first since the 2023 Tournament of Champions with a 15-under par total of 269.
Lee carded a three-under 68 for 270.
“I’ve been waiting for that 14th win feels like forever,“ Henderson said.
“To win it here makes it just so special.”
“I had family and friends here and I just thank God for allowing me to be back in this position and allowing me to have the courage and the strength to perform here.”
Henderson started the day tied for the lead with Lee and the two were neck-and-neck through the first nine holes.
Both birdied the second and bogeyed the fourth, Henderson adding a birdie at the fifth and Lee a birdie the eighth before Lee dropped back with a bogey at 11.
The Aussie, who won her third major title at the Women’s PGA Championship this year, would add three more birdies coming in.
But Henderson’s birdies at 13, 14 and 17, where she drilled a 12-foot putt to match Lee’s birdie and keep her nose in front, were just enough, much to the delight of fans at Mississauga Golf and Country Club.
“It’s so special,“ Henderson said.
“I’m surprised I’m not crying because I thought I definitely was going to during this interview.”
“The crowds were so incredible all week and I just can’t thank everyone enough for coming out,“ she added.
“They gave me so much confidence, and when I got things rolling just so much momentum.”
Japan’s Mai Saigo, winner of the Chevron Championship earlier this year, birdied five of the last seven holes in a bogey-free five-under par 66 that gave her second place on 273.
“Five birdies and no bogeys, it was a good day,“ Saigo said.
Japan’s Akie Iwai, who rolled into Canada after winning her first LPGA title in Portland and led after each of the first two rounds, bounced back from a disappointing third round to post a two-under 69 and was alone in fourth on 274. – AFP
